TEAM HERALD
bureau@herald-goa.com
CURCHOREM: About 1,000 parishioners of Guardian Angel Church, Curchorem, on Sunday evening took out a candle light procession to show solidarity and to demand reinstatement of Fr James Torres e Silva as parish priest.
The procession, which commenced from the church compound with the parishioners holding candles in their hand and reciting rosary and prayers, culminated after wending its way through the Curchorem market.
The parishioners under the banner ‘Concerned Parishioners of Guardian Angel Church, Sanvordem-Curchorem’ took out the candle light procession to show solidarity with their parish priest Fr James, who was suddenly relieved from his duties as parish priest on health ground while he was on his annual holiday in United States.
“The procession was taken out in a very peaceful and prayerful manner,” Confraria president Anthony Menezes told media after the procession.
Addressing the parishioners, William Fernandes thanked the parishioners for participating in large numbers and showing their solidarity with Fr James. He also expressed hope and said the Diocesan authority will respect the sentiments of the parishioners.
“I hope the authorities will reinstate Fr James and he will be allowed to complete his full term with a new Fabrica committee in place,” added Fernandes.
Later, he appealed the parishioners to gather in large numbers and march to the Archbishop’s House on October 1 to hold peaceful and prayerful ‘dharna’ in support of their demands.
Speaking to media persons, senior parishioners Assumption Pereira requested the Archbishop to re-instate Fr James. “Inspite of my health problem, I attended this procession to pray and request the church authorities to bring back Fr James for the love and unity of the parishioners,” said Pereira.
